April 2014 // Report Card

Helping Hank shear his sheep.   I use the term "help" loosely here. ;)

This is my ewe Emma's mom, Biddy, with her two lambs from this year.

Photo a Day & Weekly Posting | A- | I'll admit it.  I've been a bit busy lately, so regular posting as suffered a bit.  Not in the amount, just in timing.  Which is really okay.  My blog, my rules...you know how that goes. ;)

Dance More | A | I've definitely been getting a lot of dancing in!  There are several swing dances to go to in the area, which is convenient.  Plus Hank, Christopher, Kellie, Ellen, and I have started taking swing dance lessons together.  So much fun!!  I'm disappointed that I haven't made it to any of the contra dances lately, though.

Jenny & JD getting ready to go on our Easter Sunday walk.

One Cross Stitch a Month | A | Not technically a cross stitch, but I embroidered Liz's present for her, and I'm working on an embroidery for myself now. :)

Selfie time!*grin*

Movie "Fast" on Sunday | C | Not so much...but I'm not terribly bothered by this since I've been watching less movies during the week already.  They're not a distraction from my Bible time like they were last year.

Transporting Ingrid to her new home.

Impromptu ice cream parties. :D

Buy Less Clothes | B | Only two stops at the thrift store, and I got a pair of jeans that fit!  As you may remember, that was on the list.  So I did a pretty good job. *smile*

Hope Chest | F | Nothing new to report.

Going for a stroll/hike on Aubrey's birthday.

We're totes adorbs.  Just saying it cause it's true. ;)

Practice my Mandolin | F | I thought you were going to do some jamming with me so I wouldn't fail this month, Hank! *grin*

Keep up on House Cleaning | A- | Considering how much I've been running around lately, I've done a pretty good job of keeping the house clean.

I believe the credit for this amazing culinary creation goes to Lilly.

Spend More Time in the Word | A | I'm enjoying my Bible study with Hank so much, as well as really getting into my personal daily reading.  His Word is amazing.  No matter how many times I've read a passage, there is always something new to notice and learn.

Happy Trails, everyone!

March 2014 // Report Card

Katniss, one of my yearlings.

Photo a Day & Weekly Posting | A | I got a bit behind when my ewes were all lambing, but still managed to post each week.  So, not to bad. :)

While sorting and cleaning a closet I found my first doll!  She has such beautiful blue eyes.

Dance More | A+ |  I have definitely been dancing more!  I love it so much!  Especially when I'm dancing with Hank, who is an AMAZING dancer. :)

My mom's health has been improving so much these days!  Praise the Lord!

One Cross Stitch a Month | F | And this is just getting embarrassing...not giving up yet, but definitely not going to stress it.

Alex playing the piano while Dinah Raye sings.

Movie "Fast" on Sunday | C | I watched a few films on Sunday when my ewes were lambing.  I was too tired to do much of anything else.  That's my excuse, and I'm sticking with it.  Plus, I had a free trial from Netflix...can't let that go to waste, can I? *grin*

Buy Less Clothes | A | I bought a few things when I went thrifting with Kellie.  But we're talking THRIFT stores, people!  So, I still get an A. *wink*

At the Spin In.  So much beautiful wool.

Hope Chest | A++ | I bought three adorable Texas Ware plates on Etsy.  They're aqua blue with white dandelions.  So adorable!  Also, my Grandma Barb gave me a 40 piece china set for my birthday!  Talk about best present ever!!

Reading in front of the fireplace is my favorite. :)

Practice my Mandolin | F | *facepalm*  Now this, is truly embarrassing.

Keep up on House Cleaning | A + | Aside from getting a bit behind while the ewes were lambing, I've been sticking with the schedule.

Alex and our Assistant Pastor working on Alex's car.

Spend More Time in the Word | B | Towards the middle of the month I was having a lot of trouble focusing during my daily reading because I was so busy.  I hate it when that happens!  I cherish my morning Bible time so much, so it's good to finally be able to focus again.

Happy Trails!

February 2014 // Report Card

And March is coming in like a lion this year, at least where I am.  My birth month always has a few tricks up her sleeve.  We've been dumped on by snow for two days, until we had over a foot...then it got above freezing, so we now have a foot of slush.  I hate slush.  But whatever, at least I only have to be out in it twice a day, and hopefully most of it will be gone by the end of the week.  Getting on with my February report card and pictures...

Photo a Day & Weekly Posting | A+ | So far, so good!  I've been keeping up on both Photo a Day and Sunday Style, and trying to add some variety with other things.  How do you think I'm doing?

KFC after bowling...I know, not very healthy, but SO good!

Dance More | A+ | I forgot about this goal in January.  Went to two swing dances in February, so not doing bad at all!  I love swing dancing so much.

Best swing dance EVER!  The end.

One Cross Stitch a Month | F | I'm starting to get the idea that this just isn't going to happen...but I haven't given up yet.  Not completely, anyway.

Practice shot for the Valentine's Banquet at church.  When we first started attending, a lot of people at church though Alex and I were a couple.  It's rather awkward, having people think your younger brother is your husband.  Eww.

Burlap, sage brush, and red candles for the buffet table centerpiece.

It's so fun helping to transform the church basement into a beautiful dinning area!

Movie "Fast" on Sundays | A+ | I've been doing more reading and less movie watching in general.

Me and my dear friend Sarah.

Buy Less Clothes | B | I was doing super fantastic on this...until I discovered ThredUP.  It's an online consignment store.  Totes awesome!  I bought two dresses, but I used the $15 gift coupon which I got by using Sereina's link, so I didn't spend much. If I can keep it down to one clothing item a month, then I'll be happy. :)

Balloons left over from the banquet make a good photo prop!

Adorable Sarah. :)

Hope Chest | Nothing to report.

Just down the road from us.  Our house is at the base of that mountain.  I love it here so much!

Practice my Mandolin | F | I'm so bad about this.  What I need to do, is put the case where I'll trip over it.

Merlin is getting to be a big, fluffy kitty cat!  And he caught his first mouse the other day in the barn!  At least, the first one that I was sure he caught.  With three mice killers running around, it's a bit hard to tell unless you catch them in the act.

Keep Up on House Cleaning | A+ | I definitely deserve that A+...the floors have never looked cleaner, and I've been doing a lot of organizing.

My bro shoveling a path to the car for me before we leave for church.  I'm so spoiled.

Spend More Time in the Word | B+ | I've really been enjoying the study of Acts we're doing at Wednesday night Bible study!  It's so neat sharing and comparing thoughts with others and discovering new things together.  In my personal study, I've been living in Psalms lately.  During some seasons of your life, it's the best place you could possibly be.  I would like to begin a study on my own, though.  Any suggestions?

Besties.

Overall, how was February for you?
Anything exciting happen?
I want to know!

January 2014 // Report Card

I thought giving myself a monthly report card would help me to stay on top of my goals for this year.  Here's my first one.  I'm almost afraid to see how this turns out... *covers eyes*  I've also included a few photos from events that didn't get a proper post.

Photo a Day & Weekly Posting |  I'd have to give myself an A for this goal.  I've been doing pretty good., except for when I was sick.  Haven't gotten around to setting up the blog for sponsors/adds, but we're only one month in.  I've got time.  *chuckles*

New Year's Eve Swing Dance!

One Cross Stitch a Month | A big, fat zero (or F) on this!  However, I was sick for a good part of this month, which kept me from going to the fabric store and buying some necessary supplies.  Tell you what, next time I'm in town I'm going to stop at the fabric store.  I'm going to do it!

Freckles

Movie "Fast" on Sundays |  This, I have been doing.  Aside from when I was sick...I was to miserable to do anything else.  Also, I was so sick I didn't realize it was Sunday.  So I'm going to give myself an A for this one. *grin*

Laura's Going Away/Birthday Party - I miss you so much, girl! :(

Buy Less Clothes |  I've done quite well on this.  No thrift store visits.  I did buy one skirt from eShakti, but that was because I had gift card credits that had to be used up.  You wouldn't want me to let those go to waste, would you?! ;)  I'll give myself an A. *wink*

Invest in Items for my Hope Chest | Nothing to report.

Practice my Mandolin |  Also nothing to report.  I get an F.

Hannah & Jason's Wedding

Keep up on House Cleaning | Aside from when I had the flu, I've been getting a lot of cleaning done.  A+ for me!! *big grin*

Spend More Time in the Word |  I have been getting so much more out of my Bible studies lately.  It's been so good to dig deeper, to really study a passage until I thoroughly understand it.  The Lord is so good to me.  So patient and faithful.

And that's it!  On the whole, I didn't do to bad.  We'll see what February has in store for me. *smile*

If you made any, how are you doing with your 2014 goals?  I want to know!